Psalms 138:7

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

Though I walk {H3212} in the midst {H7130} of trouble {H6869}, thou wilt revive {H2421} me: thou shalt stretch forth {H7971} thine hand {H3027} against the wrath {H639} of mine enemies {H341}, and thy right hand {H3225} shall save {H3467} me.

You keep me alive when surrounded by danger; you put out your hand when my enemies rage; with your right hand you save me.

If I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve me from the anger of my foes; You extend Your hand, and Your right hand saves me.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me; Thou wilt stretch forth thy hand against the wrath of mine enemies, And thy right hand will save me.

Psalms 138:7 is a powerful declaration of faith and trust in God's unfailing protection amidst adversity. It encapsulates the psalmist's (traditionally King David's) confidence that even when surrounded by difficulties, God will intervene to preserve and deliver him.

Context

Psalm 138 is a psalm of thanksgiving, likely composed by King David, expressing gratitude for God's faithfulness and answered prayer. It follows a declaration of worship and praise to God for His truth and mercy. Verse 7 specifically addresses the challenging circumstances David often faced as a king and a man of God, surrounded by adversaries and personal struggles. This verse transitions from general praise to a specific affirmation of God's active role in protecting His servant from the "wrath of mine enemies," a common theme in the Davidic Psalms.

Key Themes

  • Divine Preservation in Adversity: The core message is God's commitment to sustaining His people through trials. The psalmist acknowledges walking "in the midst of trouble" but immediately asserts God's promise to "revive me," signifying restoration and renewed life.
  • God's Active Intervention: The imagery of God stretching forth "thine hand" and "thy right hand" emphasizes His powerful and direct involvement in human affairs. This is not passive observation but active defense against hostile forces.
  • Confidence in God's Unfailing Power: Despite the intensity of "the wrath of mine enemies," the psalmist maintains unwavering confidence that God's strength is superior and will ultimately bring salvation. It highlights a deep trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to deliver.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "trouble" is tsarah (צָרָה), often translated as distress, anguish, or tribulation, highlighting a profound sense of difficulty. The phrase "revive me" comes from the Hebrew root chayah (חָיָה), meaning to live, keep alive, or restore life. It implies not just survival, but a renewal of vitality and spirit. The "right hand" (יְמִין - yamin) of God is a frequently used biblical metaphor, symbolizing His immense strength, power, and authority, especially in acts of salvation and victory. For example, the Lord's right hand is glorified in strength in Exodus 15:6, demonstrating His triumph over enemies.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 138:7 offers immense encouragement and a foundational truth: God is present and active in our struggles. When we face personal difficulties, opposition, or the "wrath" of those who would harm us, this verse reminds us that:

  • God Revives: Even in our lowest points, God has the power to restore our spirit, hope, and strength. We can trust that He will renew our strength when we wait upon Him.
  • God Protects: We are not left to fight our battles alone. God actively defends His own, using His mighty hand to guard and deliver.
  • God Saves: Ultimate salvation, whether from immediate danger or eternal peril, rests in God's powerful "right hand." This fosters a deep sense of security and peace, knowing that our deliverance is assured by His faithfulness.
This verse calls us to maintain unwavering faith even when walking "in the midst of trouble," knowing that God's intervention is certain and His salvation is secure.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 41:10

    ¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

  • Psalms 23:3

    He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

  • Psalms 23:4

    Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

  • Psalms 71:20

    [Thou], which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.

  • Psalms 71:21

    Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.

  • Psalms 85:6

    Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?

  • Acts 2:33

    Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
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